Stairway to Heaven can be yours for a price

Published: Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 04:02 PM.

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One of the most eye catching and iconic structures in
Seaside
turned 20 last week, and its new owners took the opportunity to celebrate.

The invitations said, "Celebrate an evening of art and architecture as a Seaside iconic classic-modern private residence turns 20, we throw open our doors to you."

The party featured work by artist Justin Lyons, fashions by designer Nicole Paloma, the Art of Simple, signature cocktails, a rooftop sunset, and a drone hovering overhead.

Located at
302 W. Ruskin Place
in
Seaside
's artist colony, Stairway to Heaven was designed in 1994 by
New York
architect Alexander Gorlin as what he believed would be his personal bachelor pad. However, after being built, Gorlin realized his place was in New York and would not use it.

Gorlin sold the strikingly modern townhome to buyers who owned it for 19 years and used it often.

Two months ago the townhome's third owner bought the award-winning structure. However, the non-resident new owner also realizes he will not use the townhome and has put it on the market for a cool $2.4 million.

Resting on a corner lot facing Ruskin Place, the structure's two-story glass windows on two sides offer impressive views of the park, giving a window to the world.

One of the most eye catching and iconic structures in Seaside turned 20 last week, and its new owners took the opportunity to celebrate.

The invitations said, "Celebrate an evening of art and architecture as a Seaside iconic classic-modern private residence turns 20, we throw open our doors to you."

The party featured work by artist Justin Lyons, fashions by designer Nicole Paloma, the Art of Simple, signature cocktails, a rooftop sunset, and a drone hovering overhead.

Located at 302 W. Ruskin Place in Seaside's artist colony, Stairway to Heaven was designed in 1994 by New York architect Alexander Gorlin as what he believed would be his personal bachelor pad. However, after being built, Gorlin realized his place was in New York and would not use it.

Gorlin sold the strikingly modern townhome to buyers who owned it for 19 years and used it often.

Two months ago the townhome's third owner bought the award-winning structure. However, the non-resident new owner also realizes he will not use the townhome and has put it on the market for a cool $2.4 million.

Resting on a corner lot facing Ruskin Place, the structure's two-story glass windows on two sides offer impressive views of the park, giving a window to the world.

The world also is allowed an admiring view into the home's intriguing living space and unique design.

Through the undraped tall windows, outsiders can see the living room's second floor spiral staircase.

From the third-floor master bedroom there is access to a rooftop lounging deck and the "stairway to heaven" rooftop spiral stairs to a crow's nest perch offering an unparalleled view — if you don't mind the perch's sway.

It’s a very modern design for the very old-town, old-ways conservative Seaside, for sure.

Critics have stated that the progressive Gorlin designed the structure as a critique on the architectural style of Seaside. However, despite the modern design, Gorlin did adhere to Seaside Code in adding the required balcony and first-floor commercial space.

The townhome's current owner, who did not want to be named, describes the home's furnishings as mid-century modern.

The large artwork hanging over the period sofa in the two-story living room is a piece that was commissioned for that wall.

The mid-century modern look stays true throughout the home.

"We wanted to be true to the design and furnish it with authentic custom pieces," he said.

Why did he want this townhome?

"Because it's a piece of art," says the owner, who has lived in all the 30A communities, with a wide sweep of his arms.